Yi Jong Ho, one of the few remaining
"original" Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines celebrated his
70th birthday among friends and family at an event sponsored by the
ROK-US Marine Corps Friendship Association on July 1, 2000.

Jim Lint, a civilian currently working in Korea was
one of the presenters at the event. He sat at the head table and
enjoyed the fine hospitality of the Korea Marines. Jim, a former
Marine and member of the MCCIA and SMDA, also presented Coins to both
Yi and the senior ROK Marine officer attending the event as is Korean
custom.

Yi joined the ROK Marine Corps in July 1949 just a few
months after the Corps was established on April 15th, 1949. He
participated in the Inchon Landing and the ROKMC Operation number 5.
He was awarded the Hawrang Medal, a high South Korean award.
After his 15 years of active duty, he became the ROKMC boxing coach.

Many senior ROK Marine officers and civilian
celebrities attended this special event. Retired LtGen Cho Ki
Yup, former Commandant of the ROK Marine Corps and BGen Yi Haw Chul,
who commanded the 6th Marine Brigade during Korean War and the Blue
Dragon Brigade in Vietnam were among the flag officers attending.
Noted civilians included TV talent, Mr. Im Chae Moo and Comedian, MC
and President of ROK Scuba Association, Mr. Chong Dong Nam. The
Commandant of the ROK Marine Corps sent a special message
congratulating Mr Yi. Also in attendance for the 70th
Birthday Celebration, was the famous entertainer Mr. Kim, Hung
Kuk. He is also the Chairman of the Korean National Sponsorship
for World Cup 2002. (Rough Translation!) This former ROKMC
member is very well known and a hard charger. He is also the
dream model of every Marine... Mr. Kim Hung Kuk married the Miss
Korea, and I got to meet her too at the World Cup 2002 Dinner! What a
charming lady. Mr. Kang Kyung Seo, Director ROK/US Marine Corps
Friendship Association was Master of Ceremony for this event.

Mr. Kang Kyung Seo, Director ROK/US Marine Corps
Friendship Association was Master of Ceremony for this event. This
same ROK/US Marine Corps Friendship Association will also be visiting
the USA during July 2000, to include visits at HQMC and Camp Lejeune,
NC.

DRAFT
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The famous
entertainer Mr.. Kim, Hung Kuk, hosted and was Master of Ceremony
for the World Cup 2002 Dinner. He is also the Chairman of
the Korean National Sponsorship for The Soccer World
Cup 2002. (Rough Translation!) This former ROKMC member is
very well known and a hard charger. He is also the dream
model of every Marine... Mr.. Kim Hung Kuk married the Miss Korea,
and I got to meet her too at the World Cup 2002 Dinner! What a
charming lady.

Jim Lint also
attended the as Mr.. Kim, Hung Kuk's guest for the first
World Cup 2002 dinner party. Mr.. Kang Kyung Seo, Director ROK/US
Marine Corps Friendship Association arranged my attendance.
This fund raiser dinner cost from $200 to $9,000 per
plate. Mr.. Kim, H.K. had many congressmen and over 30
entertainers in attendance. Past ROK Commandant,
LTGen Chun, To Mo, 22d ROK CMC also was in attendance and
was such a strong supporter of all the former Marines attending.
He still has been out of the ROKMC for about five years but
still looks like a Marine General. Also attending was Mr..
Hwang, Yong Cho a Gold Medal winner in the Marathon at
Barcelona Olympics. (His father was also a former Marine)
Comedian Lim, Ha Ryon was in attendance and got up and did some impromptu
comedy. Former Marine, now
Congressman Park was also in attendance. A member of
the United Nations (UN) UNIAEWP
presented Mr.. Kim, Hung Kuk an award for his helping
children worldwide signed by UN
Secretary-General: Kofi Annan. In Korea he also has a
scholarship fund for kids participating in Soccer.

What an
interesting evening. I am really enjoying my after hours
events!

Photos
for this event will be added to web page when when they are
developed... Someone forgot his digital camera on this memorable
event!